Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-12-04

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ne vl,o vould not gladly escape II nc
could from the responsibilities wnicn .ne
situation imposes on him, but we c'lnnos
escape from them. AS representatives. OF
Tho peopIe we are sent here to do work
which tbe interests of the people require,
and we mnst do it, or at least make an
honest effort 10 do it. With an united,
harmonious Democratic majority IL ~
;r,noss;ble for us to fail, while without
such o majority it is impossible Tor us
TO succeed. or at least success would DC
extremely doubtful. 1t is, therefore, OF
the highest Importance that we should
reconcile. il possible, all differences OF
onin;on among ourselves before en-
Gazing in contest with a common
enemy. If we can agree among our
selves on essential points we can
well afford, in view of the crltl-
cal condition OF the country, to
POSTPONE the discussion OF minor
matters until a more appropriate
time. This course, it seems to me, Is de-
manded by the highest considerations OF
party expediency and public welfare.
But, Mr.. Chairman, l did not intend 10
indulge in this line OF remark, ana VIII
not pursue it further. We all we'll know
what is expected of MS, and ] hope you
are all prepared to make such conees-
sions and compromises as will secure
concert Of action and satisfactory set
Element OF the great public questions
which will be presented for our consid-
Grafton.
THE DooRKEEPERsHrP CONTEST.
Nominations for Clerk and Sergeant
alarms were then made, and the con-
test over the doorkeepership began.
The candidates named were Messrs.
Donelson Of Tennessee, Raines Of New
York, A. b. Hurt Of Mississippi, ID. *.
Reeder of Pennsylvania, and House OF
Michigan.
As soon as the nominations were closed
Mr.. Breckenridge, of Arkansas, began
vigorous attack on Mr.. Donelson, sub
stantiallyrepeating and celebrating what
was contained in his published charges
against the Doorkeeper
MIR. Taulbee, Of Kentucky, defended
the doorkeeper, as did Mr.. Blount, of
Georgia. The latter was repeatedly IN
terTupted in his remarks by Mr.. Breck-
inridge, and finally both Of the gentle
men lost their tempers and came to-
gether in threatening manner.
In the course of running colloquy
between the two gentlemen Mr.. Blount
remarked that Mr.. Breckenridge was OF
course working for "his man.
Mr.. Breckenridge Indignantly denied
that he had ga man, and declared that
he was actuated in his action merely by
n desire for the good OF the Democratic
party.
Mr.. Blount reiterated this statement,
and Mr.. Breckenridge turned towards
him and said with warmth "The gen.
tleman imputes to me dishonorable mo-
tives."
In the excitement and confusion Mr..
Blount misunderstood the remarks, and,
believing that dishonorable motives had
been imputed TO him, he struck his an
tagonist, who, carried away with the pas
sion of the moment, returned the blow,
striking Blount on the cheek. Before
other blows could be passed the gentle
men were separated, and Mr.. Breckin-
ridge retired TO the cloak-Ioom.
The circumstances were then explained
to Mr.. Blount, who instantly, upon
learning of the misapprehension under
which he had labored, requested that
Mr. Breckenridge return to the floor in
order that he might tender 10 him an
apology for his action.
Upon Mr. Breckinridge's appearance
Mr.. Blount apologized and the gentle
men shook hands with great cordially.
After the excitement occasioned by
this incident had subsidized the discussion
of the merits of the candidates was con-
Guided.
The first ballot stood: Donelson, 70
Hurt, So; Reeder, House, 8 /; Raines,
%.
The second ballot was taken immedi-
ately. The New York delegation, who
had opposed Donelson, changed their
votes to Hurt, and, seeing the inevitable
result, many other changes followed in
quick succession, 50 that the vote stood /;
Hurt, So; Donelson, &c Reeder, l.
This elected Hurt, and the result was
hailed with cheers by his adherents in
the corridors.
The concluding work of the caucus was
the selection, by unanimous vote, of
Lycurgus Dalton for Postmaster and W.
Ii. Milburn for Chaplain of the House.
Messrs. Wilson, of West Virginia,
and Blanchard, of Louisiana, acted as
secretaries of the caucus.